Today I looked into Open RAN to understand the technology behind it and why the topic has been discussed politically for around five years.

Open RAN refers to an open approach to the radio access network in 5G mobile communications. Central network functions are decoupled from one another and connected via standardized interfaces. As a result, network operators are no longer tied to a single manufacturer. Hardware and software from different vendors can be combined and replaced as needed.

This is where the connection to digital sovereignty lies. Operating critical network infrastructure requires control over technology, supply chains, and further development. Closed systems create dependencies that are difficult to resolve. Open RAN reduces this vendor lock-in and enables freedom of choice. Individual components can be replaced without rebuilding the entire network. Vendors can be changed if economic, security-related, or political reasons make this necessary.

A broad deployment of Open RAN is therefore considered a suitable path forward. Open interfaces promote competition, lower market entry barriers, and encourage innovation. Above all, they ensure interchangeability and reduce structural dependencies. Digital sovereignty is thereby strengthened and made technically achievable.

The text was automatically translated from German into English. The German quotations were also translated in sense.